Banking System: While you are in Cologne city, you may frequently need to go to your bank to withdraw cash. Some of the banks in Cologne city are AXA Bank AG, Bank fur Sozialwirtschaft AG, and Kolner Bank eG. Usually, money in Germany means good old cash. Bigger service providers accept credit cards, but most smaller service providers do not accept Credit Card
. Many ATMs accept Credit Card
for cash advances. They are also accepted at many boutiques, shops, as well as the U-Bahn and S-Bahn. Many large German Banks operate "International Desks," which are specifically designed to cater to the requirements of English-speaking tourists and other expatriates to Germany. All ATMs are interconnected and you can withdraw cash from almost all ATMs in Germany. Generally, the German banks are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and till 5:30 p.m. or 6 p.m. on Thursdays.
Currency Exchange: The best way to exchange currency is to do so by using your ATM card. You will get Euros at the most favorable exchange rate in Germany. The exchange rate offered by the ATMs while using your ATM card is more favorable compared to the rate offered by currency exchange brokers and banks. While traveling to a foreign country, you have to buy
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the goods and services in the currency of the country in which you are. The currency of your native country is no good here. Whether you lose money or gain money while exchanging currency depends on the exchange rate prevalent at that time. Currency exchange brokers can be found at the airport, railway stations, many hotels, etc. You can also exchange currency at one of the American Express outlets in the city.
Health System: The health care provided in Cologne city is of a very high standard. If you fall ill while you are in Cologne city, some of the best hospitals that you can go to are St. Vinzenz Hospital, St. Franziskus Hospital, and St. Antonius Krankenhaus. Before undertaking a medical treatment in Germany, check with your insurance company to confirm whether your policy is applicable in Germany. To put it simply, patients wanting medical treatment in Germany must meet the treatment costs privately unless there is a reciprocal agreement between their native land and Germany. Travelers must check with their insurance company before they start on their travel whether their insurance policy is applicable in Germany. In particular, they must check the extent of the cover and whether there is a provision for evacuation.
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